Panama City and beyond Panama offers a lot more variety for a holiday than you might think, beyond (but not far from) the canal you can visit the rainforest of virtually untrodden national parks, live alongside the indigenous populations of Caribbean islands and return to the bustle and mallsof a burgeoning modern capital city. Panama City, an exotic mix of old Spanishhouses and skyscrapers with a pervading scentof the Orient, is fascinating but the biggest draw is undoubtedly the Panama Canal (facing page). You can make a transit of the 68km waterway from the port of Balboa on the Pacific coast via Miraflores Locks, where the ship will be raised and lowered by a series of locks back to sea-level on the Atlantic (Caribbean). Soberania National Park, just a half-hour's drive from the city limits, supports dense jungle in which, at the Canopy Tower Lodge (left) a former radar station, you can observe the birdlife from the roof: motmots, toucans and other tropical species are prolific here.Spend a few days in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro (below), based on Colon Island, with organised excursions. There are boat trips, beach explorations, snorkelling off the coral reef andhikes. A highlight is a trip to BastimentosNational Park, exploring creeks through red mangrove forest and trails frequented by tanagers, manakins, monkeys and red frogs.46 Panama, Nicaragua & HondurasALFREDO MAQUIZ / IPATANCON EXPEDITIONS

PANAMA......Panama CityDavidBoqueteBocas del ToroBoca Brava IslandSan BlasIslandsPanama CanalGamboa Rainforest020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 47 discovery coast to coast Cross from ocean to ocean by boat, on a 6-night expedition cruise on board the catamaran MV Discovery, which accommodates 24 guests. As you glide along, and on shore excursions, your eyes will be opened to a gorgeous variety of tropical scenery, native indian villages, white sandy beaches and the vestiges of a history of pirates and gold-prospectors. Part of the trip will be along the Canal itself: from Gatun lake you'll navigate the Gaillard Cut, the narrowest section, bisecting the Continental Divide.Islands and highlands 14 days, 12 nightsGamboa Rainforest Reserve 2 nights, San Blas 2n, Panama City 1n, Boquete 2n, Boca Brava 4n, Panama City 1n.Day 1 Fly from the UK to Panama City. Continue to Gamboa Rainforest Resort for 2 nights, with a jungle boat cruise and expedition in the rainforest canopy. Day 2 Partial transit of the Panama Canal. Days 3&4 The isolated San Blas (Kuna Yala) Islands are home to the Kuna indians (below), whose culture has been remarkably preserved in modern times: Their land is communally owned and local laws are enforced. Stay in Kuna-style thatched, bamboo huts, and eat communal meals. You can witness traditional ceremonies, take nature hikes, snorkel, or relax on the sugar-white sand beach. Day 5 Return to Panama City, accommodation at the Canal House, a boutique hotel in the historic old section of the city. Days 6&7 Fly to David and continue by road to Boquete in the eastern highlands, which embraces Volcán Baru. The fertile volcanic soil supports groves of citrus fruits and coffee plantations. 2 nights based at rustic Hotel los Establos, where rooms are converted from stables. Days 8-11 Continue by boat to Boca Brava Island. Hotel Cala Mía's smart bungalows are close to the beach among palm groves. With 4 nights here, there's time to sunbathe or explore the surrounding rainforest, where tropical birds and monkeys abound. Day 12 Return to David by boat and road for flight to Panama City. Overnight. Day 13 Fly to the UK arriving day 14. Prices from £2,280pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Regular departures from the UK ANCON EXPEDITIONSALFREDO MAQUIZ / IPATIPAT